You’ve checked the mattress seams. You’ve inspected the headboard. But what about where your dog sleeps? If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, one question naturally follows: can pets carry bed bugs?
The short answer is yes—but not in the way you might think. Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers, and while they prefer human blood, cats and dogs can inadvertently transport them throughout your home. At Settle Pet, we believe that a peaceful home starts with a peaceful sleep—for both you and your pets. Understanding how bed bugs interact with your furry family members is the first step toward protecting everyone under your roof.
1. Can Pets Carry Bed Bugs? Understanding the Difference Between “Carry” and “Live On”
To effectively address a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to understand one key biological fact: bed bugs don’t live on animals.
Unlike fleas or ticks, bed bugs are not adapted to cling to fur or reside permanently on a host. Their legs are designed for crawling on smooth surfaces like wood, fabric, and drywall—not for navigating the dense undercoat of a dog or cat. So, can pets carry bed bugs? They can, but only as temporary transporters, not as permanent hosts.
A pet might carry bed bugs if:
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They sleep in an infested bed or couch
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They brush against an infested area during the night to feed
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Their pet bedding becomes contaminated
Once a bed bug hitches a ride on your pet, it will typically disembark within minutes to find a hiding spot—or, ideally for the bug, a human host. This distinction matters because treating your pet directly is rarely the solution; instead, you must treat the environment.
2. How Bed Bugs Interact with Cats and Dogs
Bed bugs bite humans and animals alike when given the opportunity. While they prefer human blood, they are opportunistic feeders. If a dog or cat is resting in an infested area, bed bugs may feed on them.
Signs Bed Bugs May Be Biting Your Pet:
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Excessive scratching or biting at the skin
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Small, red welts on the belly or inner thighs (areas with less fur)
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Restlessness during the night to feed
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Visible bugs or dark fecal spots in pet bedding
Because bed bugs are notorious for hiding in cracks, crevices, and fabric folds, your pet’s bed can become a primary hiding spot—especially if it features seams, bolsters, or zippers.
This is one reason Settle Pet designs beds with fully removable, machine-washable covers. Regular washing in hot water and drying on high heat is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs and prevent them from establishing a harbor in your dog’s favorite resting place.
3. Can Bed Bugs Live on Pets or Travel on Them Long-Term?
The short answer is no. Bed bugs don’t live on animals in the way lice or fleas do. They lack the physical adaptations needed to cling to fur during movement. However, this does not mean your pet is irrelevant to the infestation.
Pets can carry bed bugs passively:
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A bug may temporarily cling to fur while moving from one room to another
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Eggs or nymphs may become trapped in thick fur near infested bedding
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Pets may transport bugs from a contaminated environment (like a kennel or groomer) into your home
While this is less common than human-mediated spread, it is possible—and it reinforces the importance of inspecting and cleaning all pet bedding during an infestation.
4. How to Protect Your Pets from Bed Bugs
Protecting your pets from bed bugs requires a combination of environmental management and careful cleaning. Here are the most effective strategies:
4.1 Wash and Heat-Dry Everything
Bed bugs cannot survive sustained high heat. Washing pet bedding in hot water and drying on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes will kill bed bugs at all life stages. At Settle Pet, all our bed covers are removable and machine-washable—designed specifically to make this process simple and effective.
4.2 Isolate and Inspect
If you are in the process of eradicating bed bugs, consider temporarily relocating your pet’s bed to a non-infested area. Regularly inspect seams, zippers, and bolster folds where bugs may hide.
4.3 Vacuum Frequently
Vacuum carpets, baseboards, and furniture—especially where your pet sleeps. Immediately seal and dispose of the vacuum bag outdoors.
4.4 Do Not Use Chemical Sprays on Pets
Never apply anti-bed bug sprays directly to your cats and dogs. Many pesticides are toxic to animals. Instead, consult your veterinarian if you are concerned your pet has been bitten.
4.5 Work with Professionals
If the infestation is widespread, pest control services or a licensed pest control company should be engaged. Professional treatments are far more effective than DIY methods and can be conducted safely around pets when protocols are followed.
5. Why Your Dog’s Bed Matters in the Fight Against Bed Bugs
During a bed bug infestation, every fabric surface is a potential hiding place. Your dog’s bed is no exception. In fact, orthopedic beds with bolsters, foam layers, and removable covers can offer bed bugs exactly what they seek: darkness, warmth, and proximity to a host.
At Settle Pet, we design our beds with this reality in mind. Our machine-washable covers are not a convenience feature—they are a health feature. When you can unzip, wash, and dry your dog’s bed cover in one cycle, you eliminate one of the most overlooked hiding spots in the home.
Additionally, the high-density memory foam inside our beds is sealed and does not provide the cracks and hollows that bed bugs typically colonize. Combined with regular washing of the cover, this makes a Settle Pet bed significantly less hospitable to pests than conventional pet bedding.
6. What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs in Your Pet’s Bed
If you find signs of bed bugs in or near your dog’s bed, follow this step-by-step protocol:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the cover | Isolate the fabric component for immediate treatment |
| 2 | Wash in hot water | Kill eggs, nymphs, and adults on fabric |
| 3 | Dry on high heat | Ensure complete elimination; heat is the most reliable killer |
| 4 | Inspect the foam core | Bed bugs rarely penetrate solid foam, but check seams and edges |
| 5 | Vacuum surrounding area | Remove any bugs that may have fallen or crawled off |
| 6 | Consider professional pest control | For full-home eradication, expert help is essential |
7. Prevention: Keeping Your Home and Pet Bed Bug-Free
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to prevent them from ever settling in. While no method is 100% guaranteed, these practices significantly reduce your risk:
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Inspect second-hand items — including pet beds, furniture, and luggage — before bringing them inside
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Use protective covers on your own mattress and box spring
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Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water and dry on high heat
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Vacuum regularly, especially in sleeping areas
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Be vigilant after travel — bed bugs often enter homes via luggage or clothing
At Settle Pet, we believe that thoughtful design supports not only comfort but also peace of mind. A bed that can be fully disassembled, washed, and reassembled is not just easier to maintain—it is part of a healthier, cleaner home for everyone.
Settle Pet Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can bed bugs live in my dog's fur?
A: No. Bed bugs don’t live on animals. They lack the claw structure needed to cling to fur and prefer to hide in cracks and fabric folds near their host, not on the host itself.
Q: Can my cat bring bed bugs into the house?
A: It is possible but unlikely. A cat might carry bed bugs passively if it brushes against an infested area, but the bugs will typically drop off quickly. Inspecting pet bedding is more important than inspecting the pet.
Q: Will washing my dog's bed kill bed bugs?
A: Yes. Washing in hot water and drying on high heat for 30+ minutes will kill bed bugs at all life stages. This is the single most effective home remedy for infested pet bedding.
Q: Do bed bugs bite cats and dogs?
A: Yes. While they prefer human blood, bed bugs will bite cats and dogs if they are resting in an infested area. Look for redness, scratching, or restlessness during the night to feed.
Q: Should I call a pest control company if I find bed bugs in my pet's bed?
A: Yes. While washing the bed is an essential first step, professional pest control is almost always required for complete home eradication. A licensed pest control company can treat infested areas safely and effectively.
Q: Are Settle Pet beds resistant to bed bugs?
A: No bed is completely "bed bug proof," but Settle Pet beds are designed to be easier to inspect and clean. The removable, machine-washable cover allows for regular high-heat washing, and the human-grade orthopedic memory foam core lacks the hollow spaces where bed bugs typically hide.
Peace of Mind Starts with the Right Knowledge
So, can pets carry bed bugs? Yes—but only as accidental hitchhikers, not as long-term hosts. Understanding this distinction helps you focus your efforts where they matter most: on the environment, not the animal.
By washing pet bedding regularly, inspecting sleeping areas, and working with professional pest control when needed, you can get rid of bed bugs and keep your home safe for both two-legged and four-legged family members.
At Settle Pet, we’re committed to more than just comfort. We design beds that support your dog’s health—and your home’s hygiene. Because when your dog sleeps soundly, so do you.
